PHOENIX – Effective Thursday, May 21, at 8 a.m., the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District and Phoenix District will implement seasonal fire restrictions in central and western Arizona. Fire managers have reported an increase in wildfire activity, which is anticipated to peak as the weather continues to get hotter and drier in the coming months. Fire restrictions help limit activities on public lands known to be the most common causes of wildfires.

The following restrictions will be in effect on Thursday, May 21, at 8 a.m.:

For Stage 1 restrictions on State Trust lands in Mohave and Yavapai counties, the following activities are prohibited:
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except in a developed campsite or picnic area.
• Smoking, unless it is within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting or grinding implement.

For Stage 2 restrictions on State-trust lands in La Paz and Yuma counties, and on BLM-managed lands in La Paz, Maricopa, Yavapai, Yuma, southern Mohave, northern and western Pinal, western Pima counties in Arizona, as well as portions of Imperial, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties in California, the following activities are prohibited:
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is prohibited in all federal buildings.
• Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting or grinding implement.
• Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal law and regulations.
• Operating any internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw or similar tool. This restriction also applies to the BLM Phoenix District’s developed recreational shooting sites: Baldy Mountain, Box Canyon, Church Camp Road, and Saddleback Mountain.

Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited year-round on federally managed lands in Arizona. Fireworks and target shooting are also prohibited year-round on Arizona State Lands. However, pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters possessing shut-off devices are allowed. When using a portable stove, be sure the area is clear of grass and other vegetation and that it is placed on a stable surface to prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.

Fire conditions, along with localized closures and restrictions, are subject to change. Tribal, federal, state, and local mandates may have differences in their restriction notices. Residents and visitors should check with the most local office for area-specific restrictions and regulations. Violation of these restrictions may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. Violators may also be liable for reimbursing fire suppression costs.

To further help prevent wildfires, never throw cigarettes out of a vehicle window—use an ashtray instead. Avoid parking over dry grass, as the underside of a vehicle can become hot enough to ignite vegetation. Ensure your vehicle is in good operating condition, tires are well inflated, and check for any dragging metal or chains from towed trailers.

Fire restrictions are already in effect in other parts of Arizona. For detailed explanations concerning agency restrictions and general fire information, please contact the nearest land management agency office where you plan to work, play, or visit, or visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov.

Additional Useful Links/Resources:
• Fire Restrictions Map for Arizona and New Mexico: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions
• Use the interactive map to determine who manages the lands where you plan to recreate.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.